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Report: Columbus isn’t shopping Bobrovsky’s bargaining rights

bobgetty

The Columbus Blue Jackets face an interesting challenge in retaining 2013 Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky this summer, but the team told the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline that they’re not looking to trade the pending free agent’s negotiating rights during draft weekend.

Considering the fact that he’s a restricted free agent, the Blue Jackets have some advantages when it comes to signing (or at least getting assets in return for) the 24-year-old goalie.

Then again, the 29 other NHL teams might not be the problem. The KHL boasts about an “excellent offer” it is dangling for Bobrovsky, which he could agree to as early as July 1 (as opposed to the NHL’s free agent kickoff date of July 5).

For what it’s worth, still-new Blue Jackets team president John Davidson believes that the Blue Jackets will retain his services.

(Hey, at least EA Sports avoided the potential awkwardness of its NHL 14 cover star playing overseas, as Martin Brodeur edged Bobrovsky in the final voting.)